Their shock result — despite Brexit chaos, benefit cuts and the ‘rape clause’ — came as the SNP walked yet another nationwide election. Nicola Sturgeon’s party was the runaway winner after grabbing 431 of the 1,227 seats, up six on their 2012 total.

And in a symbolic victory they ended Labour’s 37-year reign running former stronghold Glasgow.

But the day’s major talking point was the Tories cementing their position as runner-up at the expense of Labour.

Ms Davidson said: “We are now in a position to lead Scotland’s fightback in the General Election on June 8. We will speak up for the millions of Scots who have had enough of the uncertainty and division of the last few years.

“We will stand up for everyone who doesn’t want a second referendum on independence.

“And we will demand politicians of all parties focus on what matters — restoring excellence to Scotland’s schools and getting our economy back to health.”

Across the UK the Conservatives swept to victory with a result which points to a 100 plus majority in next month’s General Election, as Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour slumped.

And the party fared badly north of the border, losing 132 seats and all five majorities it won in 2012, in Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire.

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In three areas, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles, independents have the biggest numbers. Last night power talks were under way to broker deals to run Scotland’s 32 town halls.

The Nats, who added eight Glasgow seats to win 39 in the city, could run the city in alliance with the Greens, who increased their tally to nine. Labour lost 16.

Flanked by Ms Sturgeon at the count in the city’s Emirates Arena, SNP group leader Susan Aitken hinted at a coalition.

She said: “We believe the future of public services that deliver what people need is based on partnership. That’s how we improve things for the people of Glasgow — with others. We’ll do that from day one.”

Greens boss, MSP Patrick Harvie, said a more “balanced” council would let his party push for a more radical agenda.